I hoped to receive and post my final purchase of 2020 today, but
fate intervened. So, it seems these three coins, entered in the past week or two, are the final 2020
additions to my
Roman Republican Gallery. Each coin special in some way:
1.
Brutus and Casca Longus plated/fourree
denarius from the Duke of
Northumberland Collection. This coin has the dubious distinction of being the only ancient
fake that I've knowingly purchased. It's exceptionally nice for a
fouree, with
good style (surely made from an impression of a genuine coin), otherwise beautiful surfaces and only one spot of exposed core on Neptune's cheek. Because the coin was described in Admiral
Smyth's 1856 book about the Duke of
Northumberland Collection, we know it was acquired by
Northumberland's family before 1856! You can find the coin here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-167248
2. T. Carisius "
Moneta"
denarius. Coins of this
type are often badly off-struck; however this is a particularly well-centered example with a nearly
complete reverse wreath. I have an opinion on the
reverse imagery that some may disagree with. The coin and my write-up can be found here:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1670453. M. Plaetorius Cestianus, "
SORS"
Denarius. Another difficult but charming
type, often off-struck and, because of its facing front
reverse figure which is struck in high-relief, often found
tooled or heavily worn. This example appears untouched and relatively well-centered for the
type. The coin can be found here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-166944
Enjoy, and Happy New Year to our
Forum family!